Phantoms anxiously await Robertson Cup tournament

The tournament will be held May 10-13 at the Ice Zone.
BOARDMAN -- When the Mahoning Valley Phantoms opened training camp in August, they used the ensuing 17 days to prepare for their season opener. A sense of anxiety filled the Ice Zone as they endured two-a-day practices.
Eight months later, there's a similar anxiety building as they return. But the stakes are at higher and just 16 days away.
The Phantoms are preparing for the North American Hockey League's Robertson Cup Championship Tournament May 10-13 at the Ice Zone. By virtue of their role as hosts, the Phantoms were awarded an automatic bid in the tournament.
"This is more of a two-week refresher course," said Coach Bob Mainhardt, comparing now to the August training camp. "Then, it was a matter of implementing systems, strategy, and getting into shape. Now, we're maintaining our levels of fitness and competitiveness."
Good season
The Phantoms had the best season in their three-year history, finishing 34-20-4, good enough for third place in the North Division and a second consecutive trip to the playoffs.
Mahoning Valley fell to Cleveland in a five-game series in the division semifinals.
Mainhardt gave his players time off to rest and spend the Easter holiday with their families.
"Our overall approach towards these games won't be any different," said Mainhardt. "The challenge is not knowing who we'll play. We won't know our opponents until the night before."
There is also the opportunity for the players to show their skills before a large group of college and professional scouts who will be at the tournament.
"These players have three games left to stake their claim to opportunities at the next level," said Mainhardt.
The division finals are a best-of-seven series, and all four division champions will be determined by next weekend. In the North, the U.S. National Under-17 Team leads Cleveland three games to two after the Barons fought off elimination with a 4-2 win Sunday. Game Six is in Ann Arbor on Thursday.
The Southern Minnesota Express became the first team to punch their ticket to Boardman. They clinched the Central Division title with a four-game sweep of the Fargo-Moorhead Jets.
The two-time defending Robertson Cup Champion Texas Tornado have a commanding 3-0 lead over the Texarkana Bandits in the South Division Final and could clinch a spot by winning Game Four Monday night in Texarkana.
And in the West, Bozeman leads Fairbanks three games to one in the battle of the Ice Dogs; both teams share the same nickname. Bozeman finished with the league's best regular season record at 48-9-1. They can clinch a spot with a win at home Friday.